Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Type:Botanic Garden

About

Westonbirt Arboretum is a remarkable place for people to enjoy and learn about trees. Borne of a Victorian passion for plant collecting, around 15,000 trees from all over the globe now offer the perfect setting to escape, relax or have an adventure…

Created by Victorian entrepreneur Robert Holford, its 240 hectares (600 acres) were planted during an exciting period of plant hunting, when trees and shrubs from all over the globe were introduced to Britain.

Unlike other arboretums, the landscape here was laid out aesthetically rather than in a botanical order, meaning Westonbirt Arboretum is truly one of the most beautiful tree gardens to be found anywhere in the world.

Pop into the Welcome Building at the start of your visit – you’ll find lots of interesting information to help you make the most of your visit as well as stories about Westonbirt’s trees and how they are cared for.

There are seasonal trail leaflets, which will guide you around some of the most amazing trees in our tree collection – hand-picked by us!

The latest addition to Westonbirt Arboretum is the STIHL Treetop Walkway which opens on 27 April 2016. The walkway is 300 metres long and gradually rises on gentle inclines to a height of 13 metres offering spectacular views across the arboretum landscape.

It is accessible to visitors on foot, using mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs and to those with dogs on leads. It leads visitors from near the Welcome Building into the treetops of the beautiful Silk Wood.

For families, our play trail is a great way to fire children’s imaginations and, in such stunning surroundings, it’s an enjoyable adventure for the whole family.

Accessibility

Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - 21 spaces located close to Welcome Building.

Ramp/Level Access

Toilets for Disabled Visitors - Registered Changing Place includes toilet facilities as well as equipment such as a height adjustable changing bed and a ceiling hoist. The hoist can lift up to 190kg and allows users easy movement in all dimensions around the room.

Children & Infants

Parking & Transport

Catering

Restaurant - The Westonbirt Restaurant serves a range of locally source seasonal meals, along with sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks.

Payment Methods

All major credit cards accepted

Maestro accepted

MasterCard accepted

Min group size - 10

Special group rates

Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted

TIC Staff Admitted Free

Visa accepted

Establishment Features

Cater for groups - Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-groups for full information on group visits.

Coach drop-off point

Dogs Accepted - Silk Wood is dog friendly! Representing two thirds of the arboretum, there’s plenty of space to explore with your pooch!
The Old Arboretum is a dog-free zone, providing a safe space for little ones and mobility scooter users.
Please keep your dog on a lead on the Downs and around the car park and main facilities.

Free car parking

On-site coach parking

On-site Restaurant/Cafe

Open all year

Picnic Area

Shop

Tea / Coffee Shop

Toilets

Specialist Features

Marketed towards families

Marketed towards senior citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted

Guided Tours Available for Groups

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available

Min group size numeric qualifier

Opening Times

General admission(1 Jan 2017 - 31 Dec 2017)

* Admissions open from 9am each day. Last admission 4.15pm.Closed Christmas Day.